Chatham Island pigeon conservation

The Chatham Island pigeon or parea (Hemiphaga chathamensis) is one of two species of native pigeon in New Zealand. It is heavier than the New Zealand pigeon, and has a red bill with an orange tip.

Tuku Nature Reserve

Due to the loss of much of Chatham Island's original forest cover, parea are now restricted to the south-west of the island, in the Tuku Nature Reserve and adjacent covenants.

The 1,238 ha Tuku Nature Reserve was donated to the Crown by Manuel and Evelyn Tuanui in 1983. Since its protection the forest has improved, providing more food and habitat for parea.

Predator control

Parea killed by cat

Parea spend much time on the ground grazing on leaves and fruit, making them an easy target for feral cats. Cats, possums and rats can also easily access parea nests which can often be in low vegetation or on the ground.

DOC undertakes cat, rat and possum control within the Tuku Nature Reserve and assists owners of adjacent Conservation Covenants to do the same.

If you are travelling to the Chatham Islands, or transporting goods or livestock there, be careful that you don't introduce pest animals and plants or diseases. These could threaten the flora and fauna in this unique environment.